F-1 Visa General Information

Most international students at FAU are studying in F-1 status. The F-1 visa category is monitored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through an electronic database called Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS. For more information about the SEVIS, also referred to as the SEVP (Student Exchange Visitor Program) click here. Each student has a unique SEVIS ID number assigned to him/her and noted on the immigration form I-20. Students use the I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa at a US Consulate or Embassy abroad. The I-20 is also proof of eligibility to obtain F-1 status for the purpose of studying in the U.S. The F-1 Status is granted upon entering the U.S. or upon receiving change of status approval through an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

The F-1 Student section of the ISSS page has been designed to facilitate reporting and collection of information from students to help them maintain legal F-1 status during their stay in the U.S. It also provides a wealth of information to help students weave through the maze of immigration rules that they need to follow.